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Northe Calls for Local Funding Budget ConsiderationsRequests for additional support and meaningful investment for local community groups, organisations and projects that would build local infrastructure and create local jobs. By Portal Admin - 14th September 2019 - Back to News Member for Morwell Russell Northe last week in State Parliament finally had the opportunity to respond to the State Government’s Budget and to which he called for additional support and meaningful investment for local community groups, organisations and projects that would build local infrastructure and create local jobs.
"Whilst there was some positive news in the 2019/20 State Budget for our community, there are still some missed opportunities that could be addressed and to which I raised in my Budget response", Mr Northe said.
"Whilst the Andrews Government honoured their election commitments of allocating $7 million towards the planning phase of the Latrobe Regional Hospital (LRH) development, an electric car facility, provided for upgrades at two Primary Schools, as well as a further reduction in regional payroll tax, it still failed to address some serious issues".
"For example, whilst some local businesses would be pleased to see payroll tax reform, there are seemingly no reductions in red tape issues, meaning that existing barriers to infrastructure costs remain firmly in place. This could have made a big difference to already approved local projects, or to our local quarry industry who have limited opportunities for expansion despite demand and development projects that sit idle, and stifled by bureaucracy and red and green tape" said Mr Northe.
Such roadblocks not only places at risk current jobs in the Latrobe Valley, but it risks the creation of additional jobs that are desperately needed in our region right now.
Mr Northe also spoke on behalf of Central Gippsland farmers who continue to be ignored by the State Government despite experiencing prolonged drought condition. "To think that farmers in Latrobe City are unable to access a number of drought support programs is simply outrageous," Mr Northe said.
"The Government needs to include Latrobe City farmers in these programs and establish a municipal rate subsidy that would provide real support to farmers on the ground and who are doing it tough," said Mr Northe.
The fact that no provisions are in the Budget to improve travel times for Gippsland commuters who are continually being disadvantaged was extremely disappointing. Much has been made of the continued investment for the Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo V/Line services, yet it appears Gippsland commuters will have to contend paying more to travel less distances on inferior services in the foreseeable future.
The future of Hazelwood Pondage was raised once again during Mr Northe’s Budget speech and at a time when user groups are being evicted from this much loved precinct. To think that no funding has been allocated for a feasibility study has left many locals with a sour taste in their mouth.
The community have been calling for this recreational asset to be returned to public use", Mr Northe lamented. "I’m in contact with so many community groups and businesses who are completely bewildered that the Government have not even considered initiating a feasibility study and associated funding for this tourism drawcard". Even Latrobe City Council is calling upon the Government to do precisely this yet such a request continues to fall on deaf ears.
Again the issue of funding for a stand-alone Latrobe Special Development School was raised, as unfortunately no additional funding has been found or announced for this important project.
The State Government had previously announced $6 million for the redevelopment of both Traralgon Secondary College and Latrobe Special Development School; however whilst those funds are welcome much more funding is required to construct a stand-alone Latrobe Special Development School which is the desire of the local community.
"In my Budget response I have tried to ensure that the voice of the Morwell electorate was heard in Parliament whilst expressing where the need for support and investment is required to make our community an even better place to live and work", Mr Northe said.
A transcript of Mr Northe’s contribution is also attached
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
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Danny O’Brien thanked volunteers, councils, and community groups for Australia Day events, celebrating new citizens, recognising local award recipients, and highlighting Gippsland South’s community spirit and contributions. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's police station maintenance cuts despite backflip restoring partial funding for grounds upkeep
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor's partial backflip on police station maintenance cuts, saying Gippsland officers deserve safe, clean workplaces and stronger government support amid rising regional crime rates. - East Gippsland Shire Mayor, Cr Jodie Ashworth's Christmas message
A Christmas message celebrating East Gippsland’s community spirit, kindness and connection, encouraging care for one another, support for local businesses, warm hospitality for visitors, gratitude for workers this season together. - Omeo gains new modular worker accommodation, supporting healthcare staff and strengthening regional community
Omeo District Health's new modular worker accommodation is underway, providing housing for healthcare staff, supporting regional jobs, and helping the town attract and retain doctors, nurses, and essential workers. - Gippsland Water completes major Warragul sewer upgrade, boosting capacity and supporting town’s rapid growth and future reliability
Gippsland Water has completed a 1.5-kilometre Warragul sewer upgrade, increasing capacity, improving reliability, supporting population growth, and protecting the environment, including relocation of threatened local species during construction. - Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability. - Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens 5 December , boosting tourism, economy, and year-round adventure opportunities
Omeo’s new mountain bike park officially opens December 5, creating a year-round adventure destination, boosting tourism, supporting the local economy, and celebrating community collaboration with a full weekend of events. - South Gippsland immunisation sessions extended with extra times to support community after Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure
Following Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure, immunisation sessions have been extended, offering full-range vaccines for children, adults, pregnant women, and at-risk groups, with extra times available for community bookings. - Danny O’Brien condemns sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, 73 jobs lost, pledges support for affected community
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien says sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, costing 73 jobs, devastates the community, pledging support for affected families, workers, and local businesses during this crisis. - Latrobe City invites photographers and videographers to capture the region’s beauty in the ‘Latrobe Through Your Lens’ until 15 December 2025
Latrobe City Council invites photographers and videographers to enter the eight-week Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local people, places, and culture, with prizes including gift cards and getaway experiences. - Darren Chester urges Dicky Bill workers, families to attend Maffra Support and Services Expo on 10 December 2025
Federal Member Darren Chester urges Dicky Bill workers, families to attend Maffra Support & Services Expo December 10 for employment, training, financial, and wellbeing assistance from 20 local exhibitors. - Melina Bath warns rising crime under Labor threatens community safety, as offences increase, calling for stronger police support and tougher laws
Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath warns crime rose 12.7% to 640,860 under Labor, with reduced police funding and station hours leaving Victorians unsafe, calling for stronger laws and police support.
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